One in seven U.S. children and adolescents is obese. Severely obese youth have social and emotional problems similar to children who have undergone chemotherapy treatments for cancer, according to a new article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "Health-Related Quality of Life of Severely Obese Children."

Nearly half of America's youth, ages 12 to 19, rarely break a sweat, putting them at risk for obesity and diabetes. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ) says that over the past 50 years, we've essentially engineered physical activity out of our lives. RWJ's "The Shape We're In" handbook has step-by-step instructions for getting coverage in your local press, organizing community events, and support materials for this public awareness campaign, due to launch in newspapers nationwide June 2.

According to a March 2001 study conducted by a Buffalo University epidemiologist, obesity among children between the ages of 8 and 16 has more than doubled in one generation, with TV-viewing largely to blame.

Hamburgers, pudding, cereal, waffles—how do these things contribute to a kids' healthy diet? The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a revised Food Guide Pyramid for Kids in March, 1999, based on an analysis of the actual eating habits of children ages 2-6. The revised guide is adapted from existing food guidance recommendations.

Experts agree there are both benefits and detriments to participation in youth sports. The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports (YSI) at Michigan State University conducts research and provides educational materials for coaches, officials, administrators, and parents to help kids get the most out of physical activity. Explore past issues of Spotlight on Youth Sports, YSI's newsletter covering issues on the youth sports scene.